Jamie Foxx toons up ‘Welcome to the Jungle’

Actor to star, produce and score Fox's animated pic

Jamie Foxx and 20th Century Fox Animation are teaming on toon “Welcome to the Jungle,” based on an original pitch by Foxx and scribe Malcolm Spellman.

Foxx is attached to star in the animated pic, which he’ll produce with manager and partner Jamie Rucker King via their company FoxxKing Entertainment. Foxx, a Grammy winning R&B artist, also will write original music for the film.

“Jungle” marks Foxx’s first foray into feature film animation.

Spellman is penning the script, although Fox is keeping the storyline under tight wraps.

One hint provided by Spellman’s team: “Life is a jungle and welcome to it.”

“I’m psyched about ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ because it’s specifically built to utilize Jamie’s talent with voices and as a musician,” Spellman said.

Spellman’s credits include “Family Wedding” for Fox Searchlight. Pic toplines Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera, Carlos Mencia and Regina King, and has cumed $19.4 million domestically since its March 12 release. He also wrote “Soul Train” for Warners, based on the classic TV series.

Fox Animation, home of the hit “Ice Age” franchise, is next in theaters with 3D tentpole “Rio,” from partner Blue Sky Studios and directed by Carlos Saldhanha. It opens April 8, 2011.

Fox is repped by CAA and King Management; Spellman, Paradigm and Industry Entertainment.